indeterminate (ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnɪt
)
Definitions
adjective
- uncertain in extent, amount, or nature
- not definite; inconclusive ⇒
an indeterminate reply
- unable to be predicted, calculated, or deduced
- physics (of an effect) not obeying the law of causality; noncausal
- mathematics
- having no numerical meaning, as 0.00 or 0/0
- (of an equation) having more than one variable and an unlimited number of solutions
- botany another word for indefinite (sense 4)
- (of a structure, framework, etc) comprising forces that cannot be fully analysed, esp by vector analysis
Alternative Forms
ˌindeˈterminacy ˌindeˌtermiˈnation ˌindeˈterminateness noun ˌindeˈterminately adverbSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
uncertain,
indefinite,
unspecified,
vague,
inconclusive,
imprecise,
undefined,
undetermined,
inexact,
unfixed,
unstipulated
Usage examples
A recent History essay had been handed back to me with the words `Random gunfire at an indeterminate target.
, MUSIC FOR BOYS (2003)The 32 studies falling into cell C1 clearly contravene the points we have made in this article; the other 14 were indeterminate.
British Medical Journal (2002)The authorities are also worried about the indeterminate quantity of dynamite still unaccounted for.
New Zealand Herald (2004)Director Mary Marsh said: "For the highest risk offenders, indeterminate sentences is the only way to keep children safe.
Sun, News of the World (2001)Like many generalised and vaguely indeterminate disorders, insomnia is often assumed to have psychological or emotional origins.
, COUNTING SHEEP: The Science and Pleasures of Sleep and Dreams (2002)